PERRY, Iowa – The tragic death of beloved Principal Dan Marburger has left the community of Perry, Iowa reeling after he succumbed to injuries sustained during a school shooting at Perry High School. Marburger, who had courageously protected students during the shooting, passed away after a 10-day battle for his life in the hospital. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds paid tribute to Marburger, praising his selfless actions and expressing the state’s deep sense of loss.
The shooting, which occurred on January 4, also resulted in the death of a sixth grader, Ahmir Jolliff, who was fatally shot three times. Seven others, including Marburger, were injured. The shooter, a 17-year-old student, later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and an improvised explosive device was found during a police search of the school.
Marburger’s daughter, Claire, described her father’s bravery in confronting the shooter, highlighting his dedication to protecting the students and staff. The community and Perry Community School District mourn the loss of Marburger, remembering him as a dedicated leader and a loving family man.
Marburger’s commitment to his students extended beyond the shooting, as his daughter recounted his pride in seeing students graduate and his efforts to correctly pronounce every student’s name during graduation. His impact on the community was profound, and his loss has left a lasting impact on the school district and the state of Iowa.
As a tribute to Marburger, Iowa Governor Reynolds has ordered all flags in the state to be lowered to half-mast until sunset on the day of his funeral. The tragic events at Perry High School have left the community in mourning and served as a reminder of the devastating impact of school violence.